CZGY HY-2 Horizontal Multi-Purpose Shaker

Overview

The CZGY HY-2 Horizontal Multi-Purpose Shaker is a robust, floor-standing reciprocating shaker engineered for reliable sample agitation in life science laboratories and bioprocessing environments. It operates on a mechanical oscillation principle—utilizing an eccentric drive mechanism to generate linear back-and-forth motion across a fixed horizontal plane—making it especially suited for applications requiring gentle yet consistent mixing of suspension cultures, immunoassay plates, blotting membranes, staining/destaining procedures, and general reagent homogenization. Unlike orbital or rotary shakers, the HY-2’s reciprocating motion minimizes centrifugal forces while maximizing lateral fluid displacement, thereby reducing cell shear stress and improving reproducibility in low-shear biological workflows. Its low center of gravity and reinforced steel frame ensure operational stability during extended runs—even at maximum stroke amplitude and frequency—without requiring anchoring or vibration-dampening mounts.

Key Features

• Single-platform horizontal reciprocating design with 20 mm stroke amplitude for uniform, low-shear agitation
• Continuously adjustable speed control from 0 to 300 rpm via precision potentiometer—enabling fine-tuned optimization for sensitive cell suspensions or viscous media
• Mechanical timer with 0–120 minute range, offering repeatable run duration without software dependency or battery backup requirements
• Spring-loaded universal bottle rack system (compatible with test tubes, Erlenmeyer flasks up to 1 L, and standard microplate carriers) ensures secure retention across variable vessel geometries and fill volumes
• Rated load capacity of 40 kg—validated under continuous operation at 300 rpm—supports high-throughput configurations with stacked or multi-tier accessories
• Compact footprint (50 × 30.5 × 22 cm) and open-frame architecture facilitate integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or shared benchtop spaces with minimal spatial overhead

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-2 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample containers—including glass and plastic culture tubes (10–50 mL), conical flasks (100–1000 mL), Petri dishes, western blot trays, ELISA plate racks, and custom-fit silicone mat adapters. Its non-temperature-controlled platform is intended for ambient-condition applications only; users requiring thermal regulation must pair the unit with external incubators or climate-controlled enclosures. While the instrument itself does not carry CE, UL, or FDA registration, its construction complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. All mechanical components meet RoHS-compliant material specifications. For GLP/GMP environments, manual logbook entries are recommended for timer settings, speed calibration verification (per ASTM E2500 Annex A), and routine maintenance records.

Software & Data Management

The HY-2 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or data logging capability. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, long-term reliability, and immunity to software obsolescence or cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Speed and timer settings are manually configured and visually confirmed via engraved dials and mechanical pointer indicators. Laboratories implementing electronic record-keeping may document operating parameters using validated LIMS or ELN systems. No USB, RS-232, or Ethernet connectivity is provided; optional third-party analog-to-digital signal converters (e.g., LabJack U3) may be integrated for basic speed monitoring where required by internal SOPs.

Applications

• Cultivation of aerobic microbial suspensions (e.g., E. coli, yeast) in shake flasks for biomass expansion prior to fermentation scale-up
• Antibody incubation and antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies on membrane supports during western blotting
• Uniform staining and destaining of polyacrylamide gels without edge artifacts or uneven diffusion gradients
• Cell detachment and resuspension of adherent monolayers using enzymatic or chelating agents
• Pre-analytical sample homogenization for environmental water testing (e.g., BOD, COD, coliform enumeration)
• Extraction buffer equilibration in plant metabolomics and phytochemical isolation protocols

FAQ

Is the HY-2 suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—the unit lacks temperature and humidity resistance features and is rated for ambient operation only (10–35°C, ≤80% RH non-condensing). Placement inside incubators voids warranty and risks motor insulation degradation.
Can the platform accommodate microtiter plates?
Yes—when used with an optional rigid aluminum or silicone-coated plate holder, the 50 × 30 cm surface fully supports standard 96-well and 384-well plates for hybridization or washing steps.
Does the shaker include speed calibration certification?
No factory calibration certificate is supplied; however, users may verify rotational speed using a handheld tachometer traceable to NIST standards per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Biannual inspection of drive belt tension, lubrication of pivot bearings with ISO VG 68 mineral oil, and visual verification of spring rack integrity are recommended. No scheduled motor servicing is required under normal load conditions.
Is custom platform fabrication available?
Yes—CZGY offers OEM mechanical customization including drilled mounting patterns, stainless-steel platforms, and static-dissipative surface coatings upon formal engineering request and minimum order quantity agreement.